LaserLyte Trainer 22 LT-LR Review

Training with a 22 caliber pistol or rifle used to be the cheapest way to shoot all day, but these days with ammo availability thats no longer the rule of thumb. While some turn to dry fire practice in the comfort of their own home, there's a limit to knowing precisely if your shots are breaking true at your intended target reference point.

Laser products help achieve precisely that, giving the shooter instantaneous feedback as to where that hypothetical bullet would have gone in relation to your sight picture and trigger press. LaserLyte has produced a number of different caliber laser product that interface directly with your own gun so that you can train with the same controls, weight, and familiarity of your own firearm. The Trainer 22 LT-LR was recently release and is uniquely universal to 22 caliber firearms. Be it 22 lr, 22 short, 22 long, 223 Rem, 22-250 or any other cartridge in the 22 caliber family, the LaserLyte Trainer 22 LT-LR simple installs through the muzzle and into barrels with a minimum length of 1.875" inches. There is a small black plastic arbor on the end of the Trainer that expands when an even smaller screw is tightened, which lets the use firmly install in a barrel with enough friction to prevent it from falling out due to gravity.

I found that for use in a pistol, double action is best to have. That way you don't have to rack the slide and reset the trigger each time, you can just keep pulling that bang switch while pumping up your finger strength in the process.  For my T&E I used a Ruger SR-22, but a revolver or other semi auto with a hammer should work well too. The width of the trainer at its fattest point is about 3/4 of an inch, so depending on your gun of choice it may or may not be wider than the muzzle, thusly interfering with the holstering of the firearm.

The T&E model I received worked during the first day of experimenting but a week or so later when conducting the official review the laser seemed to have some problems. The activation became inconsistent, and then non existent altogether. I did replace the 1x1632 coin battery and it functioned consistently once again, however the brightness of the laser was not enough to activate some LaserLyte Laser Plinking Cans I was testing for another review. I used a different manufacturer's laser boresight to verify the targets functioned properly and that the Trainer was the issue. This is reflected in my rating, which will be updated when the manufacturer gets back to us.

Being 22 caliber, the manufacturer claims it is compatible with multiple 22 caliber platforms, but not specifically any type of model. I found that while it will mount in the barrel of a Ruger MKIII 22lr pistol, a 223 Rem AR-15 Carbine, and a 22-250 bolt action rifle, it will not necessarily activate upon dry firing. The sound and concussion from the trigger/sear/hammer is what makes the laser activate, and the potency of that effect really varies in every firearm. I do believe that longer barrels are a contributor in dampening the sound from reaching the Trainer. Racking the bolt, charging handle, and slide would set off the laser but the dry fire of the trigger in most cases would not. Based on my experience using the firearms I had access to, I would say this product is ideally meant to work best in pistols, even more so in revolvers because the solidarity of the frame would allow the transfer of energy from the hammer to the Trainer most efficiently.

From a design and operation standpoint, the on/off of the Trainer is very minimalistic. You just unscrew slightly to cut the battery off from completing the circuit. This isn't ideal, especially when the exterior of the Trainer has no texture, so big fumbly fingers like mine had difficulty unscrewing the two halves especially if overtightened during use. I had to be extra conscious not to overtighten the Trainer.

Overall I would say that malfunctions aside, this training aid is very useful for dry fire practice indoors, especially when used in combination with a laser compatible electronic target system, like the LaserLyte Reaction Tyme Target (see FI review).

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Simply the easiest way to train without ammo for any of your 22 rimfire pistols.

Target Market: Gun Owners who want to add laser functionality to their dry fire practice, safely and indoors.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Compatible with: 22LR, 22WMR, 22 Short, 22 Long, .223 REM with at least a 1.875" barrel
• Length: 3.0 inches
• Diameter: .20" Min./ .76 inch Max
• Battery Life: 10,000 shots
• Batteries: 1 x 1632 Lithium
• Activation: Sound of striker or hammer

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  none

What others are saying?:

Price Point:

• MSRP: $120.95
• Retail: $109.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Brownells.com or Amazon.com

Our Rating: UPDATE +-Easy to operate +-Short enough to fit most pocket pistols or snubnose revolvers +-Battery life is high, batteries are hard to find + Tested and confirmed functional in Ruger MKIII Pistol, Ruger SR22 Pistol, Ruger 10/22 rifle, AR15, and Savage 22-250 rifle + Customer Service was very responsive in replacing first malfunctioning laser Trainer with a correctly working model

• No knurling to assist with unscrewing, which is the only way to preserve batter life.  Overtighten= Bad Time

Score: 8.5 Great* *Score increased after initial defective model was replaced and reevalutated

LaserLyte Laser Plinking Cans Review

Plinking cans has been the quintessential method of target practice since the dawn of the first firearms. Cowboys would shoot empty bean cans out on the range to hone their skill. Heck, even today there's still something so iconic about setting up empty cans, taking 10 paces, and then trying to knock them down with the speed and accuracy like that of the legends of the Wild West.

With modern ammo prices and range fees, plinkin' ain't cheap! That's why this product from LaserLyte is so exciting. With the Laser Plinking Cans, you can literally plink all day long indoors til your heart's content, without blowing through costly ammo, picking up brass, or putting on pants for that matter!

The Laserlyte Laser Plinking Cans are small, like a classic can of V8. They have a solonoid wired to a receiver, so when the target area gets hit with a laser, a plunger is extended out the bottom about half and inch which will topple the device over. After you knock down all targets, simply push the plungers back in and set them back up. It's easy to see with just the first time knocking one over how fun it is, it rushes over you and puts a smirk on your face.

In testing the Laser Plinking Cans, I found that the receptors are sensitive to more than just a laser. The wrong indoor lighting and even natural light from outdoors will set the can off, resulting in an auditory CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK of the solonoid tripping until you either switch the unit off, or cover the target from light and move it to a darker location. Reading other reviews online I see more users have had the same difficulty. It's an unfortunate flaw of oversensitivity that really detracts from the enjoyment of using them, as you try different corners of the room or switching off lamps and lights desperately trying to keep the cans from "prematurely plinking" themselves. Not to mention that the cans themselves are dark colored, so you may find using these as a low-light scenario training aid more difficult, but a roll of flourescent paper with a hole cut out would be an easy remedy to help put these cans in your sight picture when in a dark room.

Another issue I had is that the set does not come with a laser device. You must buy separately a laser training product (preferably LaserLyte) in order to use these cans effectively by dry firing. For the price tag of over $100 dollars and the seemingly simple design / manufacture of these cans, I would assume including one of their training guns would have been feasible for around the same price point. If you already own an actual gun that you'd like to practice with, you can buy a laser cartridge for it.  The only hangup being if its not a double action firearm, you will have to rack the slide each time, resetting the trigger in between engaging the cans.

Overall, these are a novelty BUT a very enjoyable niche target that will offer safe practice indoors. New or unexperienced shooters should really enjoy using these, especially with a plastic blue gun with a laser trainer installed as it takes some of the intimidation factor out of the equation while still being able to practice the laws of gun safety and the fundamentals of proper shooting technique. As easy as these plinking cans will become a party game to some, it can still be a vital training aid used to teach new shooters or help experienced shooters perform better.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The LaserLyte® Laser Plinking Can Set provides hours of training and entertainment indoors or outdoors without the cost of ammunition or the time spent cleaning up.

Target Market: Both new and experienced shooters with existing Laserlyte products who wish to practice with reactive targets indoors.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Weight: 4.25 ounces/.12 kg
• Length: 3.82 inch/9.7 cm
• Diameter: 2.00 inch/5.1 cm
• Battery: 9V       
• Battery Life: 8,000 Tip Overs

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  none

What others are saying?: “The LaserLyte worked as they advertised. The laser light had to be in a room with ambient light no direct sunlight or any direct light that could hit the can sensor. The pop out plunger would activate continuously. If I try to use the laser light outside it had to be at dusk no sunlight even in the shadows the ambient sunlight with activate the sensor on the can. The laser light would work well in a room that had no light but the outside ambient light through a window with covering or In a garage with soft-light. It did work outside but with very low light, there was no problem using a laser out to 25 yards to activate the sensor on the laser light. I would recommend this product, but be advise to the buyer you will have limitations to the use of this product." Amazon Review

Price Point:

• MSRP: $115.95
• Retail: $94.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Brownells.com or Amazon.com

Our Rating: + Cans are easy to operate / install battery K +-Provides new shooters a safe atmosphere to practice + Gives experienced shooters a fun training aid - Very sensitive to ambient light, can be frustrating to find an adequate place they will work - Can itself is black with dark red graphics and target area is murky red color and hard to adequately see in low light were laser performs best - Would like to see training pistol (blue gun) included

Score: 7.0 Good

Lyman Case Prep Multi-tool Review

There's about a gajillion different tools out there for reloading. Most tools come in either manual / hand powered versions or a more expensive electric counterpart. For case preparation, you could spend a few hundred dollars on an electric prep station that has spinning heads for each step, or you can buy each tool individually and perform the steps by hand, and save a few extra pennies for powder, primers, bullets, or heck even a new press. One tool I've been using heavily thats gotten the job done and was relatively inexpensive is the Lyman Case Prep Multi-tool.

Case prepping has 4 steps after you've deprimed, resized and trimmed your casings. If you've trimmed the mouth back down to SAAMI specs after the brass has stretched from firing (every rifle cartridge stretches to some degree over time and repeated firing of same brass piece) then you should chamfer and debur the mouth. This gets rid of any ragged brass filings still clinging to the mouth, and also helps with easier bullet seating and proper chambering in the firearm. The Lyman Multi-tool has both deburrer and chamfer tool which you can thread into each end, letting you simply flip the tool over and complete both tasks with minimal effort, especially if you have a manual or electric way of spinning the brass, like a Lee Zip Trimmer or a case chuck bit for a drill.

Secondly if you are loading rifle rounds that have military primer crimps, you are very familiar with the bane of every reloaders existence. That is, until you have a tool that can ream those crimps out to a wider primer pocket. Lyman provides reamers for both large and small primer pockets (5.56 and 7.62x51 brass made for the military will most likely have the crimp)  After several rotations with the tools, you'll be able to seat a new primer with little resistance.  Also included are a pocket cleaner for both large and small pockets, which can help clean out carbon and dirt and ensure a full spark through the flashhole, and thusly a good powder burn.

Instead of fumbling with 6 different hand tools, or dropping a few hundo's on an electric case prep center, give this multi-tool a try. Its under 25 dollars and is easily stowed away, leaving more room for all the other tools, gauges, and components to clutter your bench.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Provides the reloader with all the essential case preparation accessories in one compact, double-ended storage tool.

Target Market: Reloaders who trim cases and or need to remove military primer crimps

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Provides reloader with all the essential accessories
• All accessories located in one compact, double-ended storage tool
• Unique knurled handle unthreads in the middle to store all parts
• Includes inside and outside deburring tools, large and small primer pocket cleaners, and large and small primer pocket reamers
• Convenient and compact storage

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Lyman Orange only

What others are saying?:

“I used it to prep 100 cases recently. It's handy because all the bits can be stored inside the aluminum case/handle. The functionality is satisfactory because it works. The only drawback is that it is two major pieces (aluminum case) that thread together with bits that are also threaded in. As long as you work the tool in one direction, that's fine, but once you twist counterclockwise with the working end bound to the brass in any way (when chamferring and deburring)the parts start loosening (which is why I can see how the Lyman universal case prep kit with 8 dedicated tools might be preferred -- especially if you have the bench space for it and don't mind the extra cost). It made me wish for my solid, one-piece chamfering/deburring tool that was in the garage while I was leisurely (lazily) working the .308 brass in front of the TV. My solution was to de-thread the two halves apart and use them like two tools with the primer bits sitting on a paper towel. And with that being said, this tool was cheap to buy, does the job, does have a massive handle that prevents finger fatigue, and stores nice and tidy. It is more helpful than it is annoying, which is why, for the price, I would recommend it" -SteveH Amazon.com user

Price Point:

• MSRP: $28.95
• Retail: $21.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at brownells.com or Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+-Knurled grip is plenty big enough for heavy use without hand cramps K +-Stores all parts inside to prevent lost bits +-Price is very affordable for 6 tools in one

--Threads loosen if primer pocket reamer or chamfer tool bind up and you rotate counterclockwise, requires acute but quick retightening.

Score: 8.5 Great

Concealed Carrie Leather Compact Carrie Review

Concealed Carry is such a beautiful concept. The market for vessels to carry a concealed handgun is exploding as more manufacturers expand their product line, offering an equal opportunity for both men and women to get quality products that fit their lifestyle.  Concealment products are usually unisex, with holsters typically designed for either men or women.  When it comes to outside the body / external carry, there is a rapidly growing market for purses, totes, and handbags designed for concealed carry.  In fact I would no longer considered them niché as how popular pocket sized pistols have become, and how many bag crafters have started incorporated 'concealed pockets' into their products. While some prefer the security of having a pistol holstered on their body, there are times when a female might be unable to conceal on her body as the dress for the occasion may make it impossible.

To clear the air right off the start, yes I have an X and Y chromosome and I am reviewing a product with a female target demographic. It shouldn't matter as being objective and having experience as a concealed carrier should be all the qualification I need. I did however get plenty of perspective and help from my partner, who also carries and knows a thing or two about purses!

Concealed Carrie (best brand name ever!) specializes in purses, totes, handbags, and clutches that allow for secure and conceal carry of a compact or subcompact firearms. Their "Compact Carrie" is a compact clutch that has two compartments, one for a firearms mounted with included velcro holster, and the other for your cash, phone, ID and other necessities. The quality of materials of the Compact Carrie are really high, the leather is bright red and the stitching is very well done. It comes with a tassel zipper pull and a keychain as well as a leather wrist strap, which you can choose to use or remove with simple clasps. My partner gave it a thorough look over and found it had plenty of organizing pockets for what she typically has in her standard pocketbook.

As for the firearm carrying capability we found that with both our compact sized carry pistols (a Glock 26 and M&Pc) the Concealed Carrie Leather Compact Carrie had some extra added bulging. The Glock 26 in the included holster seems to cause printing, which was somewhat noticeable from a close distance that there was something large and heavy in the bag. While it's not enough to prevent the zippers from closing, it was something we both picked up on right away. However if your compact pistol of choice is a single stack with a slimmer profile, say a S&W Shield, Glock 42, Ruger LCP, etc. it will stow in the Compact much easier. Weight also becomes a bit of concern, as a fully loaded 10+1 gunplus another loaded magazine makes the Compact feel hefty to carry via the wrist strap or in the bare hand, and we both agreed stepping up to a purse or tote from Concealed Carrie would be to way to go if your carry gun is anything wider than a subcompact, .85" slide width model.

If you are looking for a stylish way to conceal your pistol on the go, I would say Concealed Carrie is the best way to go, both for the value and craftsmanship you really will be impressed (and more importantly, so will she)

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Compact Carrie is perfect for carrying in style to the range or using as a gun bag and wallet

Target Market: Concealed Carrying Women

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Double sided design acts as a wallet on one side while keeping your firearm separate on other side.
• Zippered main compartment is full of dividers for cash, ID, credit cards and personal items.
• Firearm compartment is double zippered and velcro-lined (universal holster included)
• Carry by either the removable wrist strap or simply, grab it and go.
• Fits any compact or sub-compact handgun will including Glock 19/23, Glock 23/27 or similar size handgun.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Red Leather or Cool Blue Leather

What others are saying?:

"Finding your site has brightened my day!  I've been looking for a concealed carry bags for YEARS, but most of them are so ugly and so poorly constructed that they must have been designed by men.  Even other high end lines are just now getting up to speed on quality and design although they still don't equal Concealed Carrie."  ~Susan D.

“Just received this bag as an early Christmas gift from my husband and am absolutely over the moon! It is more beautiful than Photographs can show and so very worth the money. I can conceal any one of my weapons with ease and also get to it with ease. Ever since I started carrying, I’ve been waiting for a fashionable handbag and this is it. I am a Bag Harlot so I own just about every purse made… Louis vuitton, coach, kate spade, even stunning bags from Italy. This bag is as good as or better than those bags I own. It is so well-made and fits right in with my fashion queen persona. just today, I had ten people compliment the bag and ask me where I got it. They don’t even know, which is the way it should be. Thanks!" ~Karla F.

Price Point:

• MSRP: $149.00

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at concealedcarrie.com or Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+-Holster is double sided with 'loop' velcro of ambidextrous mounting.-per +-Stiching and zippers are good quality and seem to be durable to last. +-Tons of pockets for cards, checkbook, cash, change

--Bag begins to bulge when carrying a double stack pistol, design and profile better suited for a single stack like Ruger LCP or S&W Shield. --With weight of loaded pistol (glock 26 w 10+1 rounds) its really heavy to carry via wrist strap, needs a shoulder strap especially if carrying and extra mag.-

Score: 8.0 Great

Esstac Shotgun Cards Review

Running and gunning with a shotgun is both simple and complicated. Guns are typically lighter and less cluttered with accessories than carbines, however the ammo is large and clunky. Digging for shells in a pocket or pouch is "slow speed and high drag" while adding a side saddle to the receiver is the optimum way as the shells are already a couple inches from being reloaded into the action / magazine tube.

The higher end systems like Mesa Tactical units are aluminum and parkerized, and they carry a heavy price tag.  They are also more permanent and add bulk to the side of your gun, taking up room in the gun case or the safe. Plastic versions like the TacStar are also an option, and a lower cost than the aluminum option but still requires a semi permanent modification to your shotgun, and in some guns actually will interfere with the forearm of pump action shotguns.

The simplest solution is often the best one. Velcro backed, nylon constructed Esstac Shotgun Cards are a great alternative with a few great advantages.  There are some negative points I've experienced that come as a trade off.

The positives: ability to add a side saddle to your shotgun without any permanent modification or even tools for that matter. That, and you can literally stick it anywhere... a stock, a vest, a jacket, etc. Modularity is my favorite word. They also fit in carbine magazine pouches.

The negatives: fully loaded with 7 12 gauge shells the card with bend, or warp. When left adhered to a flat solid surface (your gun's receiver) it will either start to separate from the velcro, or worse separate the velcro from it's adhesive backing.  The latter happened to me and luckily the adhesive layer left came of with some persistent rubbing and the glue came off in one ball of gunk. The cards do not come with the other half of the velcro equation so fault is with the "loop" velcro I purchased elsewhere at a craft store. More industrial strength stuff is out there but I fear it would not have been so kind to the parkerization of my Mossberg 930.

If you are looking for a cheap system that will reduce the time of your shotgun reloads, these cards are worth a try. Just don't leave one loaded and attached to your favorite gun.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Shell carrier or side saddle, fits in an M4 Mag Pouch for quick changes too.

Target Market: Tactical or competitive shotgun users as well as hunters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Velcro interface sticks to gear or mounts to shotguns
• Elastic shell sleeves
• Paracord loop for easy removal
• Fits in an M4 pouch
• Rubber interior strip to add in friction retention of shells

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green,  Multicam

What others are saying?: “Saw these on YouTube and had to try them. Bought two and they are exactly what I needed! Have seven rounds on the side and can have seven more of a differnt type of round ready to change out. The hassle of unloading the side saddle and then reloading is gone. Just tear off the card and put the new one on. The cards fit perfectly inside an AR style mag pouch so you can carry as many as you have room for. Can't wait to get more."  review from Brian, Altamont IL (skdtac.com user)

Price Point:

• MSRP: $15.00

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at skdtac.com

Our Rating:

+-Price point makes it possible to get multiple cards for the price of a solid aluminum or plastic side saddle, but better suited for rapid replacement. +-Esstac Shotgun Cards remain flat when not in use, and allow for slimmer profile in storage. +  Customer Service from Otter Box (parent company) was prompt and satisfactory. - -Does not include "loop" side of velcro, you must find your own (industrial strength backing maybe overkill and damage firearm finish, so its all on you to find whats best). --Entire card warps in an arc when loaded with shells, and maybe cause separation of mount from surface, or adhesive from velcro.

Score: 6.5 Okay

Lifeproof iPhone Case Review

Picking a case for your smartphone is kinda like picking shoes these days. There is a function to the form, and yet there is a plethora of aesthetic options out there that sometimes leads to the primary purpose of the object being diminished. Shoes protect the feet, period. Same goes for a phone case.  It's purpose is to protect (or encase) your phone, protecting it from accidental and negligent damage.  Then home come the majority of the phone cases on the store shelves are purely plastic carbon copies, merely cheaply made shells with pretty colors? They cover the back of the phone and the sides, but what if you drop it on it's screen? Toast. Or if it drops in the toilet, or you spill your coffee on it in the morning on the way to work?

If you're like me, I waited awhile to get a smartphone. Not until it was free under my carrier, but mostly as my professional life needed it as a tool. I chose not to pay a monthly insurance on my new phone, as I felt I'd be pretty careful with it. We all get complacent with things we use on a daily basis, and I've dropped and had near catastrophic splash downs too many times to count. After literally wearing a Magpul Field Case out, I decided to research a better replacement that would actually do what a phone cover should do, protect your phone from yourself, and the elements. What I found was the Lifeproof iPhone Case.

It didn't take me long to find the Lifeproof series of cases in my research.  Not only were they waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and snowproof, but they didn't make it look like I was smuggling a brick in my pants. The price was high, but with the claims of protection and color options available, I thought I would bite. Turns out I bit twice, as I could not make up my mind between orange and camo. Not to contradict myself about the whole color / accesorizing / superficial rant, but as a sportsman those two colors really appeased me. I ended up sticking with the orange, because I could honestly see myself losing the phone in the woods, in a pile of camo gear, or at the bottom of a creek or pond. Orange would be something I could spot and dive after, or not accidentally sit on. However the Realtree camo pattern really has the cool factor, and if I spent more time in the office and no time outdoors with my phone I would have totally gone with it. For now Firearms Insider Orange is how I roll.

The case comes in two parts, front and back. Installation is easy enough, you clean your phone and the inside of both cases really, really well. Like a father cleaning his gun on his daughter's prom night. Any dirt, specs, hair, etc. will prevent the O-ring from achieving a proper seal and you will be susceptible to water leaking in. But the two halves snap together with some force and feel really solid together, the seams should close tightly if you cleaned correctly. There's a threaded plug to keep water and crud out of your audio port, and the case comes with an adapter for headphones since the regular jacks wont fit without it, my advice is order two extra. Also, the case may not let your phone fit in a stereo dock, but that's a minor inconvenience that's pales to the security you get.

Lifeproof also makes cases for Samsung Galaxy, iPads, and the new iPhones. Yes the pricetag is a bit steep but the first time you drop or spill on your phone, it certainly paid for itself. Hard to beat that logic.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The hazards of everyday life are no match for LifeProof

Target Market: Smartphone users who recreate outdoors or drop their phones alot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Polycarbonate Frame with shock absorbing elastomer
• Scratch resistant screen protector with anti-reflective lens over device's camera
• Only 10.8 mm thick
• Waterproof: Submersible up to 2 meters underwater
• Dirtproof: Sealed against dirt and debris, protects glass screen from abrasions
• Snowproof: Sealed against snow
• Shockproof: Designed to Military Specs and tested to 2 meter drop
• Includes gold plated headphone adaptor that also seals

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, Green, White, Red, Realtree Camo, etc. Lots of Colors and patterns to choose from, and vinyl stickers also widely available for customization

What others are saying?: “Previously my daughter had an Otterbox (and it cracked). So I really had to question my daughter when she bought her case because of the cost. Less then a week after purchasing it she lost it in a snow bank. It was outside in the snow & rain for 5 days. Both my husband and I had our doubts but when it was found the phone worked just fine like nothing ever happened to it. I will now be purchasing a case for my phone soon! Thank you Lifeproof it is worth every penny!!!"  review from Lifeproof Product Page

Price Point:

• MSRP: $79.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at lifeproof.com

Our Rating:

+-Waterproof seal was good out of the box, and instructions on care are thoroughi +-Includes extended earphone adapter that doesn't hinder waterproof seal +  Customer Service from Otter Box (parent company) was prompt and satisfactory - -Price is high for materials / what you get --Audio quality suffers slightly due to seal (to be expected) - Most docks unable to interface with phone while case is installed

Score: 8.5 Great

MTech USA Fixed Blade Survival Knife

"Even when the world is at peace, a gentleman still keeps a blade by his side" - Wu Tsu

A good survival blade is a staple to any kit, not just a "survival" kit, hunting pack, or any S-H-T-F bug out/bug in bag. Some may choose a folding knife for ease of portability and concealment. For others, a fixed blade is more utilitarian and I couldn't agree more. More than just cutting, stabbing, or prying can be done with a good, solid, one piece construction knife. It can be affixed to a straight branch for a classic Lord of the Flies style pig sticker! Most fixed blade knives are also serrated on the spine for the ability to saw as well, and thats exactly what I have in this Mtech USA Outdoor Fixed Blade Knife.

Although the packaging only indicates this knife as model HK-106280, this blade is known online as the MTech USA Fixed Blade Survival Knife. MTech USA is a brand under Master Cutlery. This 11" Tanto style full tang knife is made from 440 stainless steel with a 90 degree crossguard (also known as a quillion) and has a cord-wrapped handle. First, my evaluation of the blade: It comes fairly dull out of the box as most blades do. It took a sharpening well after a few minutes on a diamond sharpener, but not too easily like other "cheap" knives. 440 Stainless steel will lose it's edge sharpness with use more than Carbon Steel, so a diamond sharpener or wet stone would be a must to pack with this knife. The price point did worry me, as most steel knifes around the $20 mark would be rubbish. This isn't Kabar or Gerber quality, but its not poor either. I personally like knives with crossguards to this degree, as it assists with lashing it to a stick, or otherwise protecting your gripping hand when sharpening and cutting.

The cordage is not 550 paracord and seems to be a weaker variant. I wouldn't rely on it as shoe string, let along as a snare or any type of binding material that I depended on. I plan on replacing with the 550 which is an easy and cheap remedy.

The knife comes in a nylon sheath and it is actually well constructed. The edges of the sheath are reinforced with the stitches seem pretty solid. There is a little pocket sewn onto the front for the fire starter, a Ferrocerium Rod. It also comes with the same cordage as a lanyard but in black. It doesn't produce a big spark, so remember Spanish Moss is your best friend. I still plan on packing a lighter.

This is a decent knife for the low price, which I believe comes from it being made in China. But for a coming of age teen or a cheapskate looking for a beater of a knife, this would fit the bill.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Solid construction and functionality at an affordable price.

Target Market: Hunters, Campers, Survivalists, Outdoor Recreationalists, GI Joe types

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 11" Overal Length
• 6" Matte Finish
• 440 Stainless Steel
• Full Tang handle
• Tanto with saw serrations on spine
• 5" Green Cord Wrapped Handle
• Magnesium Alloy Fire Starter
• Nylon Sheath

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Matte stainless with OD green sheath and cordage only, other models with different finished available here.

What others are saying?: “My wife bought this knife for me a week ago after I told her my buddy had invited us to his cabin for a weekend. When I tell you I used this knife for EVERYTHING, I kid you not. The blade on this is solid and the parallel “saw” like blade made this knife so much better. The fire starter works better than matches and is much more accessible. (At least for me, I tied mine to the knife when I got it) The nylon sheath for storing is a nice touch, especially when you want to keep this knife on your pocket, which you definitely will.  I would definitely recommend this item." - avila user, Amazon.com Review

Price Point: MSRP: $24.00 Retail: $10.93

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+-Price is good!ri +-Sheath is adequate and stores firestarter rod - -Cordage is not 550 paracord quality-Cord --440 Stainless Steel will lose it edge quicker than other higher grades, so bring a sharpener!

Score: 7.0 Good

California Competition Works 12 Gauge Speed Stripper Review

With all the pistol and carbine mag pouches out there on the market, a lot of people forget about a carrying system for the largest and clunkiest of the munitions, the 12 gauge shotgun shell. Instead of fishing around a dump pouch or pocket blindly for shells chaotically, there are belt caddies available to hold shells in the same direction, and in an easily accessible way. The lest expensive option I've found is the California Competition Works 12 Gauge Speed Stripper. I bought a couple of 4 round strippers while there are strippers with 6 packs available. You know what I mean. The caddy can hold 2 3/4" and 3" shells and its quite robust, the metal clip on the back is extremely rigid. Luckily the supplier demooner.com offers the same caddies with different backing systems. The only downsides are the shells rattle quite, and when you are running/active with only 2 or 1 shell left in caddy it is likely to come out. As a beginning 3 Gunner looking to accommodate shotgun shells onto their belt, look no further than these from California Competition Works.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Provides controlled carry of 12 gauge shells for fast, fumble-free reloads.

Target Market: Bird hunters, Skeet/Trap Shooters, 3 Gun Competitors

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Available in either 4 or 6 round configurations
• Belt Clip ride height is adjustable (only 2 positions)
• Multiple mount options available through www.demooner.com

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Coyote Brown, & Orange

What others are saying?: “Works well in Practical shooting. Capacity of four definitely the correct size for me, as four rounds is the maximum I can hold in my hand while feeding my gun. Comes with two spacers to adjust the stripper for different length of cartridges. You have to use both spacers with extra short rounds like S&B Practical Sport. With one spacer extra short rounds can fall off. This also means that the stripper doesn't cope well with mixed length rounds. Few downsides though: - Rattles which prevents hunting usage - If the stripper is not packed full, remaining round(s) may fall off while moving. This limits tactical usage, if there's a need to feed only one, two or three rounds into the gun. All in all a simple, rugged and very good product." - puppe user, Brownells.com review

Price Point: Retail: $25.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Brownells

Our Rating:

+-Retains 4 shells securely and easy to load up +-Price is under other competitors, easy to afford multiples +-Includes spacers to accommodate 2 3/4" shells --Metal Clip on back is overly rigid and extremely hard to clip on belt. --When caddy is not 100% full (-1 or 2 shells) remaining shells are able to fall out during rapid movement --Shells rattle loudly in caddy (using spacers and 2 3/4" shells) which may spook some game during hunting

Score: 8.0 Great

Timney Model 510 Trigger Review

There's a lot of options when it comes to aftermarket Remington 700 triggers. Just one of the benefits of owning the Honda Civic of the bolt action rifle world. One manufacturer stands out to me from the rest with the most experience and most variety of models, and that's Timney Triggers.

The 510 trigger is curved, and comes with a trigger blocking safety. That means there's no way to move the trigger when it's on safe, so when you take it off safe the trigger stays in the same position it started from.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Model 510 will bring a whole new realm of accuracy to your rifle and is the World's finest trigger, proudly made in the USA since 1946

Target Market: Hunters, Long Range target shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• The 510 comes with a safety that blocks the trigger, not the sear
• No screws, drilling, or tapping required
• Each trigger is geometrically identical with tolerances less than .0005”. adjustable from 1.5 to 4 lbs.
• Made from a solid block of heat treated steel; there's no 'connector bar' to come loose.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Straight Trigger Shoe style and "tactical" style available

What others are saying?: “I have installed these triggers in several guns, I have put six in Remington 700 alone. They are easy to instal & work perfectly. MADE IN USA. Christian Company. They are the most value for the least amount of dollars in the third party trigger market. One person had me put one in his 700. He like it so well, he brought three more 700s from his brother & son & I put Timney Triggers in them. Smiles as wide as TEXAS." - lcjones user, Brownells.com review

"I've never bought an aftermarket trigger nor installed one before. Bought a Timney and it dropped in. No problem. It worked out so well, I bought 2 more. Both were drop-ins. The last one took me 10 minutes max to install. Couldn't ask for a better trigger pull." Taildragger user, Brownells.com review

Price Point:

MSRP: $134.95 Retail: $130.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at  Timney Triggers and Brownells

Our Rating:

+-Crisp trigger pull, can be set at the factory as low as 1.5 lbs. +-Easy to install (YouTube videos) +-Enhanced safety, completely resolves the factory recall issue while giving you an awesome trigger pull

--Installation instructions were cheaply printed with less than easy to follow black and white diagrams.

Score: 8.5 Great

Crossbreed Ohai Modular Holster Review

If you plan on concealed carrying your firearms via external carry, that is in a messenger bag, satchel, or purse, you are probably looking at three options.  One: a "pocket" style holster thats purely meant to retain the firearm and cover the trigger. Two: a holster with "hook and loop" (velcro) style backing. Third is just carrying the firearms loose in the bag which is obviously a terrible, inexcusable idea. If I need to explain why or if you are calling me a safety nazi in your mind, you need to retake a safety course.

Without going into the obvious reasons why a firearms carried outside the body inside a bag, tote, etc need a proper holster, I will go right into my venture into getting a velcro-backed kydex holster for carry in my tactical messenger bag. The holster that comes with most bags designed for concealment are just strips of velcro and nylon, and are meant to be universally adjustable for all handgun types. The retention is really poor, and only good if your bag is perpendicular to the ground. If your bag angles in any way, chances are your firearms would become loose.  If the velcro straps are too tight around the handgun, you may not easily be able to draw it when the moment of truth comes.

That's why I chose to get a kydex holster, with a leather backing and velcro.  Of the holster shops out there, I chose to go with Crossbreed Holsters as their reputation and name are both well known in the industry. The Crossbreed Ohai Modular Holster, presumably derivative of a Japanese pronounced greeting which is my best ignorant guess. The retention of my selected gun is great right out of the box, as Crossbreed handfits each holster individually, not just grabbing one off the shelf that's been preformed in a batch process. The leather backing is only as wide as it needs to be so it will work in smaller bags, and or affix to velcro panels in other static locations.  The beauty to the Ohai is it comes with a 6" x 7" velcro square that you can stick to anywhere. Under a desk, the side of a night stand, inside a vehicle center console. You can also order an Ohai Mag Holster from Crossbreed, which I also did. Same quality, same good retention of the kydex.

My only two qualms about these holsters is the sweat guard (elongated strip that follows the slide / rear of the gun. This holster is not designed to be worn on the belt or near the skin really at all, and if anything the extra height will prevent the holster from fitting in certain shallow locations. I guess CB had to put their logo somewhere, I may or may not trim it off for a better fit in my bag.

One more thing, the adhesive on some velcro does have a strength limitation. While the velcro on the back of the  Ohai holster I have no doubt are mounted well and will not come apart from the leather, I do have experience with the "loop" panels (fuzzy side) coming apart from their adhesive backings when loaded with weight of a gun over a random amount of time. My advice would be to either not leave the holstered gun attached to the velcro panels for long periods of time, or use screws to create a more permanent mount.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Ohai is a vast improvement over the floppy, cloth or nylon holsters found in CCW bags

Target Market: Concealed Carry Bag owners, or concealment around the home or office.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Can also be mounted on various surfaces such as the underside of a desk or the console of a car.
• Prevents shifting around inside of bags and or purses
• Includes one piece of loop velcro for placement of your holster (Additional Velcro is available for purchase)
• Crossbreed Warranty: If holster should EVER fail during normal use, simply return it and  will be repaired or replaced

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: None but extra velcro and magazine pouch available

What others are saying?: “This holster works great for my day pack. It form-fits my G19 and allows me to carry with one in the chamber without fear of it falling out or shifting. It even comes with enough loop velcro to create a couple mounting spots for the holster. Some places Ive thought of are underneath your nightstand, or under your cars dash or in your middle console. Basically any flat surface that is about 8 x 8 would be a possible mounting spot for this system. Very versatile!" MidwayUSA Review

Price Point:

MSRP: $47.50

I need it now! Availability: Crossbreed Holsters

Our Rating:

+ Fit and finish is great just like Crossbreed's reputation + Available with extra 8" x 8" Velcro panels for mounting in various places + Great retention of both gun and magazine

- The extra leather at the top of the holster is unnecessary for my compact pistol and may prevent proper fit in some bags. May need to be trimmed off.

Score: 8.0 Great

Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Gauge & Bullet Comparator Kit Review

One of the most addicting aspects of reloading ammunition is the specialized tools that are so readily available today that improve the process and help squeeze every bit of accuracy out of your firearms. Two products that I recently invested in are the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge & Bullet Comparator Kit (you'll also need to pickup a modified case - usually will be displayed right next to these products on the shelf. These three tools used together help determine how a specific bullet best fits into your chamber by its Ogive (pronounced o-jive). The Ogive of the bullet is the plane that lies between the straight wall and the rounding taper. Each bullet differs in greatly in base to tip dimensions, between each manufacturers unique "style," the bullet type, and the grain/size. In fact it's common for variations of up to .025" to exist from one bullet to the next. However the Ogive is what engages with the barrel's rifling lands, and gives the reloader a more consistent standard of measurement.

Basing your seated bullets off the O.A.L. (Overall Length, from case head to bullet tip) is standard stuff, and while it will help keep you within SAAMI specs and inline with factory ammo, you could be missing out greatly in terms of accuracy and performance. Measuring off the Ogive will give you a more customized relationship between your desired bullet and your specific rifle's chamber. The best metaphor I can think of is imagine if you could customize the tread on your car's tires so specifically to your vehicle and the road surface so that it gave you an extra 3-5 miles per gallon. While seating depth won't effect velocity, a bullet seated to a precise length relative to YOUR rifle's barrel will noticeably improve performance.

*Note: you will also need to keep in mind your magazine length limitations.  If the O.A.L. of your cartridge after fine tuning using this process is greater than the wall of the box magazine or bottom metal, then you will have to single load each round into the rifle.

The O.A.L length gauge and modified case let you set up a bullet in a case with maximum overall length between your closed boltface and the barrel's lands. You may be asking, how the heck do I measure the length to the Ogive instead of the bullet tip?  Well, thats where the Bullet Comparator comes in.  It is an adapter that easily attaches to the blade of your caliper. It comes with interchangeable inserts for bullet diameters including .224" (5.56mm), .243" (6mm), .257", .277", .284" (7mm), .308" (7.62&8mm). When installed on a rezeroed caliper, it lets you measure a cartridge from casehead to bullet Ogive. That's the shorthand version. For those who aren't passed out on their keyboards or off surfing YouTube, I'll explain the whole process a bit more thoroughly. If you grasp the concept, you can skip to my review key points.

First you take your modified case and thread it onto the O.A.L gauge, then lightly push your desired bullet into the case to the point where it's seated deeper than normally. For example, I'll thread on a .308 win modified case and then insert a Sierra 168gr MatchKing bullet. Just don't push it too far were it falls into the case or else you'll have to push it out or fish it out. Next, remove the bolt from your rifle (or use the curved gauge if your rifle's bolt does not come off)  insert the O.A.L. gauge through the action (slowly) and into the chamber. You don't want to jam it with too much force that you unknowingly alter the modified case. When its gently snug, you then push the plastic inner rod of the gauge forward, which will push the bullet forward in the case and if you're sensitive enough you will feel the bullet engage the lands of your barrel's rifling. You can then tighten the thumb knob and lock that inner rod, and pull the gauge out of the action.  Again, if you use too much pressure you may lodge the bullet in the lands and will not come out with the gauge, and you'l have to start over.

So now you have your gauge with the modified case and bullet still in position, and then get out your caliper with the comparator and proper insert installed. You will have to rezero the caliper closed on the comparator first. With both tools in each hand, insert the bullet tip into the comparator, and adjust the caliper to measure off the case head as usual. Now instead of a reading for overall cartridge length from casehead to tip, you will have the exact distance between casehead and your bullets Ogive (exactly 0.00" using my .308 win and the SMK 168gr) Now's were the fine tuning comes it. That dimension tells me when my bolt in closed, the shallowest I can seat that specific bullet where it will be into the lands of the rifling. You will want to back off of this some, between 0.015" and 0.02" typically to start but every rifle/bullet combo will have a sweet spot. It's up to you to determine whether your rifle's barrel prefers that specific bullet closer or farther from the lands.

While this may seem like splitting hairs to some, the accuracy difference can be up to 0.5-1 MOA.  At longer ranges, using the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge & Bullet Comparator Kit can be the difference between a fantastic group in one singular hole, or just a decent 1 MOA group. Based on my results, I find I will almost never buy a box of factory ammunition, as long as I have the brass and components I am able to make cheaper and more accurate rounds.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Measuring cartridge lengths across bullet tips is not a reliable or repeatable method for measuring your reloaded rounds. The O.A.L Gauge and Bullet Comparator solve that problem by measuring rounds from a reliable surface on the bullet, the ogive, to provide consistent, precise measurements of your rounds and improved accuracy.

Target Market: Reloaders both Novice and Experienced

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The O.A.L Gauge comes in either straight or curved orientation to best work with your rifle's action.

What others are saying?: “I decided to order this comparator when I purchased my Remington 700 SPS Tactical (.308). When I bought this rifle, I wanted to take my reloading a step further and dive into the world of precision hand loads. Up to this point, I was reloading rounds mostly for target practice and a few for hunting every year. So the reloading gear I own was sufficient enough to get the job done, but not for higher quality hand loads. But as I began realizing how challenging precision hand loading can be, I knew that I would have to reach out and get some reloading equipment that could help me get the job done.

Due to the fact that I had no experience with the tools needed for this type of work, I simply called into Sinclair International and spoke with one of their many highly experienced reloading techs. He couldn't have been more helpful in explaining about important tools, explaining how and why they worked. As you may have guessed, he suggested this comparator as an essential tool for the entire process." Brownells Review Price Point:

Bullet Comparator

• MSRP = $36.65
• Retail = $29.49

O.A.L. Gauge

• MSRP = $42.95
• Retail = $35.99

I need it now! Availability: Brownell's

Our Rating:

• Comparator is offered in different price points per how many different inserts/calibers you need, the basic 6 insert kit covers the common calibers
• The OAL Gauge is easy to operate and the thumb knobs are well crafted

• Each modified case needed is expensive!

Score: 8.5 Great

Havalon Piranta Knife Review

When it comes to skinning a deer, or any game for that matter... everyone seems to have their preferred way of doing things. There's many a man who stubbornly swear by the blade they carry on the hunt, and there's some futility to convincing them to try something different. Back in the pioneer days, men did most of their gutting and dressing with the blade of a hatchet, and smaller specialized tools for skinning the hide. Fast forward to nowadays, there's a plethora of choices from folding knives, fixed blade knives, gut hooks, and ungodly oversized daggers that really only belong under the glass counter at a medieval convention.

What myself and those I typically hunt deer and elk with carry is the Havalon Piranta knife. It's a small folding knife that uses replaceable blades. The blade's themselves are pre-sharpened and extremely, ridiculously sharp! Imagine using a scalpel. Now many hunters may scoff at such a minuscule blade, but I have seen it put to expert use. I've witnessed entire elk and deer gutted, dressed, skinned, and boned out using only a Piranta. I've even seen it used to sever limbs and the joint, and remove heads. The flexibility of the blade is its shining quality, as you can get closer to the bone and make cleaner cuts without repeated strokes like a standard buck knife.

There is a learning curve to using this knife well and not replacing the blade every 10 minutes. Its a very thin blade (at least my older ones are, Havalon has switched to a thicker blade to enhance longevity) and if bent or manipulated in any kind of prying motion the blade will snap. And of course with any other knife, if you cut through the hair you will drastically dull the blade. That being said, its a spectacular knife and used correctly will speed up the process of dressing an animal while doing it neatly. When we get an animal, we are pretty obsessive about how clean the meat stays... no hair, no dirt, and no sloppy cuts on those future steaks. You NEED to have a steady hand, as the Piranta is not forgiving and any poke or knick while you are rooting around the chest cavity by sense of touch alone will be a painful lesson. Based on my experience with the Havalon Piranta, the best way to dress an animal with the skills of a surgeon is with this knife.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Reduces the need to carry extra skinning knives, gut hook blades or whetstones. When the blade gets dull, just pop it off and replace it with a new one. You'll never lose your edge with Havalon.

Target Market:  Hunters & Outdoorsman

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 12 additional stainless steel #60A blades, 2-3/4"
• Rugged ABS blaze orange handle
• Ambidextrous thumb studs
• Open back for easy cleaning
• Frame-lock construction
• Removable holster clip
• Overall length 6-3/4"
• Weighs only 3 ounces
• Includes nylon holster
• Fits #60A and #60XT blades

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Green, Lime Green, Blaze Orange, Brick Red, Zytel Black, Camo, and Engraved / Scrimshaw Models

What others are saying?: “I have owned it for more than 5 years and have used it on Brown bears, Dall sheep, Roosevelt Elk, Sitka Blacktail Deer, Caribou, Reindeer, Moose, Mountain Goat, Musk Ox, and fur bearers all in Alaska and a whole slew of different skulls to European mount. Each whole animal generally takes one occasionally two blades based on task. I have used 150+ blades and is my go-to hunting knife. The down side is it cannot be used in a pry type motion, the blades are too weak.If you know this then you generally don't have a problem. I have also had it close on me because the lock is wearing out. The other problem is the blades are so sharp there is no margin for error! I have sliced off several knuckle tips on my left hand cutting too fast with my right hand. I also poke my self several times every animal trying to reach into tight spaces or holding back meat/hides. There still is no better product out there period. As a previous biology student i always used to carry scalpel blades with me, this is just the evolution of a better product all around." - Review by Slammerdude on Havalon Website

Price Point: MSRP: $59.99 Retail: $33.74

I need it now! Availability: Havalon or Amazon or most online knife dealers

Our Rating: +_Comes with replacement blades and holster/sheath +_Blades are extremely sharp right out of each individual wrapper

-_No locking bar to prevent accidental opening (you don't want this little guy opening up in your ruck sack!) -_The plastic frame on my Piranta has already cracked where the pocket clip is, clearly a weakpoint

Score: 8.5 Great

Fox Tactical Advanced Tactical Hipster Review

You read correctly, I bought a Fox Tactical Advanced Tactical Hipster. No its not a bushy bearded, shmegah & skinny-jean wearing, Pabst Blue Ribbon sipping bodyguard that follows me everywhere I go (that would be hilarious though!) It's actually a messenger/shoulder bag thats quoted as being "designed for law enforcement use but works just as well for everyone." You could call it a very tactical man purse, and I'd be hard pressed to argue with you. This bag consists of everything from a concealed weapon compartment, to MOLLE straps for attaching additional pouches, to multiple storage pockets to use for your everyday items you carry around with you on a regular basis. This back of the bag is padded with mesh cushion backing and an adjustable padded shoulder strap to provide all day comfort.

The key features include one main compartment with a large flap with quick release buckle, one large dump pouch with mesh pocket, one 'concealed' velcro-lined pocket with zippered closure, one mesh pocket for radio or flashlight storage and one accessory pouch on side. There's a place for everything, and also places for nothing. What I mean, is it probably has more compartments than your mother's purse.

I picked this bag up for only $30 locally on a whim, knowing that with summer travel and warmer weather concealed carry will be a bit of a challenge with my preferred firearms. I don't like pocket guns, and wanted to be able to stow a full-size pistol, extra mags, water, sunglasses, cellphone, and really anything that won't fit in my speedo. So far my only real complaint is the 'holster compartment' only has two strips of velcro and a very rudimentary velcro / strap / loop thats mean to hold your barrel. It's sloppy and not ideal for keeping foreign objects out of the triggerguard as it's completely exposed. Something like a velcro-backed holster chassis or pocket holster that can be secured to the inside of the pocket would be ideal for keeping the gun oriented correctly after running/shifting the bag. Crossbreed makes velcro backed holsters that would work well in this application. Unless that's too mainstream for the Advanced Tactical Hipster.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Keep everything within easy reach for the mission with pockets galore.

Target Market:  Tactical Hipsters (Law Enforcement and Civilian)

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Constructed Of Rugged Tactical Polyester
• One Main Compartment With Large Strap Secured With Quick Release Buckle Containment
• One Large Dump Pouch With Mesh Pocket
• One Concealed Holster Pocket With Zippered Closure
• One Mesh Pocket For Radio Or Flashlight Storage
• One Accessory Pouch On Side
• Cell Phone Pocket
• Extra Attachment Points For Adding Other Modular Accessories

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Coyote, Olive Drab, Red, Safety Orange, Digital Woodland, Multicam, and Terrain Digital

What others are saying?: “Had one of these bags (black) for over two years now. Bought it to replace my fanny pack which I used to haul family stuff when we're out and about or as a field bag. Quite comfortable to carry all day as long as you don't over load it. Description says the mesh pocket is for a radio or flashlight. I use it to carry a 20 OZ water bottle. It's fairly water resistant, but I tuck a couple of half gallon ziplock bags for additional waterproofing in heavier rains. Much handier then the butt pack it replaced. After two years of hard use there is no discernible wear to the bag." Kelly Keefe - Amazon Review Price Point:

• MSRP = 56.95
• Retail = $40.95

I need it now! Availability: Fox Outdoors, Amazon, Optics Planet, eBay, Military/Tac shops

Our Rating: + Main dump pouch has synch to secure loose items + Seams and plastic buckles seem well made/secure + Velco strip on outside to stick all those elite operator moral patches, sweet! + Shoulder Strap and Backing mesh pads are comfortable and breathable

- Personally do not like tiny mesh netting, prone to stretching and eventually holes - Included 'holster' is actually just looped velcro strap for barrel - No MOLLE webbing on inside or enough velcro to insert an actual holster - Screams "I may have a gun" with all the unnecessary tactical outer webbing, would be nice if instead of extra pouches with MOLLE webbing, pouches themselves were removable from entire bag to minimize pockets

Score: 7.0 Good

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Scope Review

Welcome to Vortex Anonymous, my name is Ryan and I'm an addict. It's been 6 days since I last bought a Vortex scope, and I don't know how long I can resist the urge to buy another. Who wants to be my sponsor?

Its easy to become a Vortex fan after picking up any one of the Viper scopes. For the moderate price tag, you get really clear glass, superb reticles, a plethora of magnification options, and a lifetime/no questions asked warranty that will cover just about anything you can throw at the optic. I already owned two Viper scopes, but was interested in picking up something from the cheaper family, known as the Diamondback series for testing and evaluation.

I picked up a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm scope to add to a 22-250 bolt gun. I bought it as Sportsman's Warehouse for the average retail price. Comparing the glass indoors with other brands in the same category including Nikon Prostaff, Redfield Revenge and some of the low end Leupolds, the Diamondback certainly seemed to be as good in most areas, with an edge over most in glass clarity. The other factors that stand out most are eye relief, light transmission and turret manipulation.

I found that I was doing the 'chicken neck' much more with the other scopes to get proper relief, whereas the Diamondback's eyebox was just easier for me to find rapidly, even at high magnifications. The clarity and light transmission of the glass were very good, and even when holding side-by-side with a Viper scope in the same magnification the difference are very small. The capped turrets are surprisingly pleasing. Rotation is smooth but tight, with lightly audible clicks and fine tangible detents with every 1/4 MOA turn. I boresighted with a laser at night under 2 minutes because throwing the scope up to check the point of aim, then turning the turrets just by feel was accurate and fine. They are slotted for a coin as well but really not needed at all. Once zeroed, they can be rezeroed so that adjustments in the field or at the range for known variables are easy to make and then return to zero.

If I were asked to pick the negative aspects of this scope, it would be that at 12x objects beyond 100 yards do come a little fuzzy.  Also, the limitations of factory preset parallax at 100 yds is something I can't help but notice. If you want adjustable parallax, save up those pennies and get a Viper. Also most Vipers come with a sunshade, something you will be hard pressed to find to work with this Diamondback.  But if value and budget are your concern, this scope still has plenty of shining features that will prove its worth in the field time and time again.

Another piece of advice I want to share is the inherent disadvantages of a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle.  The Vortex BDC reticle manual groups data in terms of rifle classes that are pretty generalized. For instance, if your caliber fits into Class A (High Power Big Game | Moderate Ranges) you would use 100 yard zero on main crosshair, the 3rd hashmark would apply to 400 yards, or 30 inches of drop.  But for what grain bullet and what velocity?  The bullet drop of a .308 win 150gr bullet and a 180gr bullet in the same gun will have different rates of drop and a BDC reticle doesn't account for this without the user doing multiple tests with different bullet weights and taking detailed notes.  An MOA EBR reticle shows even subtensions in minutes of angle (or MRAD if you prefer mildots, guy in the back of class wearing a boonie hate) and I find it more advantageous for non-seasoned shooters to think in terms of what is bullet X doing at 415 yards in minutes of angle.  Using any number of ballistic calculators available, you could determine to the fraction of an inch where that bullet will drop, and it is much easier to 'mind the gap' between 2 or 5 MOA dash increments and make a more precise shot. That may not matter much when you have a deer in your scope at 100-200 yard, but the difference exponentially grows at longer distances, and I share a belief that BDC reticles give novice shooter a false sense of confidence that can easily translate to bad call and a poor shot. If that error leads to a shot outside the vitals in a game animal, I can't help but wish that individual did their homework better. The V-Plex reticle is Vortex's take on the tradition duplex reticle and would better serve a shooter who is intimately familiar with the lead they are sending downrange than a novice leaning on the BDC without reading up. Just my 2 cents.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Diamondback riflescopes completely change the rules when it comes to “you get what you pay for.”

Target Market: Rifle owners, hunters, 100-300 yard multicaliber shooting

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Fully Multi-Coated - Increases light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
• Second Focal Plane Reticle - Scale of reticle maintains the same ideally-sized appearance. Listed reticle subtensions used for estimating range, holdover and wind drift correction are accurate at the highest magnification.
• Single-Piece 1" Tube - Maximizes alignment for improved accuracy and optimum visual performance, as well as ensures strength and waterproofness.
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum - Constructed from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and rigidity.
• Waterproof O-ring - Seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating the riflescope for reliable performance in all environments.
• Fogproof - Argon gas purging prevents internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures.
• Shockproof - Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
• Hard Anodized Finish - Highly durable low-glare matte finish helps camouflage the shooter's position.
• Precision-Glide Erector System - Uses premium components in the zoom lens mechanism to ensure smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
• Capped Reset Turrets - Allow re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope. Caps provide external protection for turret.
• Precision-Glide Erector System - Uses premium components in the zoom lens mechanism to ensure smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
• Fast Focus Eyepiece - Allows quick and easy reticle focusing.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black matte finish, multiple magnification/objective sizes available.

What others are saying?: “This is the second Vortex product I've purchased.  Why? Quality and Confidence.  I love the quality of their optics.  Clear glass, great light control, solid construction but lightweight delivery.  I really like the Deadhold BDC reticle and how once I've got it sighted in.  It's extremely accurate, regardless of the change in distance.  My first time using the scope I made three adjustments with the clearly defined dials (no guessing in the field) and was dialed in on the bullseye.  I also have complete confidence that should something happen to my scope, I will have no problems getting back outdoors and doing what I love.  The only improvement I'd suggest is threading for a sun shade. But no question, I'm happily a Vortex customer for life!" Vortex Reviewer

Price Point:

• MSRP = $259.00
• Retail = $199.00

I need it now! Availability: Readily available online at Brownells.

Our Rating: + Sleek, lightweight, perfect for mounting to a hunting rifle + Capped Turrets with Audible and Tangible windage and elevation adjustment clicks, very smooth and firm + Glass is extremely clear + You can beat the scope (against the concrete) but you won't beat that warrantee!

- BDC Reticle in MOA works for some as a quick reference for hunting, but can still cause false-confidence and poor shot placement due to caliber/velocity variances that have been averaged or generalized. - No sunshade, but Vortex does have a Killflash / ARD out there that should work - Object outlines get fuzzy when using 12x magnification

Score: 8.0 Great

Ruger Super Redhawk Review

BOOM! It was time for me to step up to a classic big bore revolver cartridge, and a Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Magnum has been on my most wanted list for a couple years. Available with multiple barrel lengths, the Super Redhawk carries all the advantages of the standard Redhawk line but with a few key improved features. The frame is the most obvious change, being extended to improve durability and stoutness, as well as reliefs machined in the frame for scope rings (included with all but Alaskan short-barreled models)

The Super Redhawk comes in two duel chamberings. The 44 magnum models can be loaded with 44 special cartridges, and the 454 Casull model can accept 45 Colt cartridges. This makes plinking a bit less expensive and gives a chance for novice or recoil sensitive shooters to experience the revolver without breaking the bank or a wrist.

The Super Redhawk also now boasts a hammer-forged barrel which provides enhanced accuracy and rigidity. To help manage the recoil associated with 454 Casull and even hot 44 Magnum loads, a Hogue Tamer Monogrip with an internal recoil cushion comes standard. If you find yourself not accustomed to the monogrip you have access to a vast selection of aftermarket wooden grips compatible with the Super Redhawk's peg-style grip frame. All the other features that made the Redhawk so popular are still present including Ruger's patented transfer bar mechanism (prevents accidental discharge), a corrosion-resistant stainless steel finish, and the classic plastic Ruger hard plastic case.

I picked my KSRH-7 model, 7 inch 44 magnum SRH up at a local gunshop for under $790 sticker price.  It's been a blast to shoot especially as a reloader. Even as a handloading novice, the straight-walled 44 magnum case and it's little brother the 44 special lend themselves well to beginners. The price for factory loads in both magnum and special is expensive, and the cost savings from rolling your own will be tremendous. I've tested some warm magnum loads using 300 grain Uni-Cor projectiles from Speer and Hodgdon H110 powder with very good results, as well as some lighter 44 Special loads using Hornady 200 grain XTP projectiles and Unique powder. Its a very fun caliber to work up loads with different charge/bullet combinations, from hard cast Grizzly-stoppers, to Big Game Hunting loads, and even light/cheaper plinking rounds.

My biggest negative to the SRH is the front sight. Some SRH's come with a ramped base with a dovetail for the blade, however mine and the other's I've seen on shelves as of late have a one piece base/ramp/orange plastic blade that is not conducive to accuracy at all. How it mounts to the barrel also poses the issue of no aftermarket alternatives that I could find.  It used three screws and the barrel / sight base are mated by a machined relief. I am having a gunsmith fabricate a new front sight that matches the footprint but with a dovetail interface that will allow using a different front sight, specifically a brass bead. I plan to then replace the square-notch rear sight with a V-notch, giving me a better sight picture for 100 yard groups and hopefully an unsuspecting buck one of these days.

Of course the included scope rings would be ideal for most shooters hoping to sling lead at that range, but I would like to be able to holster the Super Redhawk and be able to shoot in the low-light hours of the day, two factors that a handgun scope somewhat limits for my intent.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Ruger® Super Redhawk® revolvers have all of the advantages of the Ruger Redhawk® plus additional features that give it potent strength and power!

Target Market:  Hunters & Outdoorsman, Revolver enthusiasts and people who plink with extreme prejudice!

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• FRAME INTEGRAL SCOPE SYSTEM with scope mounts machined directly into the frame and FREE Ruger scope rings for accurate and reliable sighting.
•  STRONG EXTENDED FRAME with extra metal in top strap, sidewalls and barrel mounting areas to handle powerful big game loads.
• TRIPLE-LOCKING CYLINDER is locked into the frame at the front, rear, and bottom for more positive alignment and dependable operation shot after shot.
• RECOIL CUSHIONING HOGUE® TAMER™ MONOGRIP® with an internal recoil cushion positioned under the web of the hand helps reduce the impact of powerful loads, while peg-style grip frame easily accommodates custom grips.
• DUAL CHAMBERING for 44 Magnum models, which also accept all factory 44 Special cartridges and 454 Casull models, which also accept all factory 45 Colt cartridges.
• PATENTED RUGER TRANSFER BAR MECHANISM provides an unparalleled measure of security against accidental discharge.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: All Stainless, but barrel lengths vary from 9.5", 7.5", 5" (TALO edition) and 2.5" (Alaskan Model)

What others are saying?: “Ruger's Super Redhawk is an impressively strong framed revolver; that the same frame and action has been used for the .480 Ruger and the .454 Casull is testimony to that. To be sure, this is no wimpy wheel gun. The build quality clearly exceeds that of many of the other .44 Mags that I've owned, including a few M44 Taurus examples. Having hunted hogs and similar successfully with .357's, there is little question that whatever a .357 can do, a .44 Mag. just makes them "deader better."

The Ruger Super Redhawk is the most accurate hunting pistol I've ever owned, with its heft and weight helping to make it controllable to shoot. Hotter rounds such as the .454 Casull have been too much in the hand-slapper department for me to enjoy shooting them, much less do so accurately. Some folks do, of course, but for me the .44 Rem. Mag. is the upper limit of what I enjoy shooting out of a handgun.

I've never had a Ruger revolver that was less than well made, including their GP100 .357, and their single action Blackhawk models. As far as I'm concerned, the Ruger Super Redhawk is the class of the field, and one of the best hunting revolvers you can buy. It's a testimony to the quality of Ruger's investment casting prowess.

You might want a trigger job, though in my case just a spring kit did the trick. In .44 Rem. Mag. configuration it is a reliable combination of power, accuracy, and manageability that is hard to beat. It remains my favorite hunting handgun. I can't recommend the Ruger Super Redhawk highly enough."  - Randy Wakeman via Chuckhawks.com

Price Point:

• MSRP = $1049.00
• Retail = $779.00

I need it now! Availability: BudsgunShop, Slickguns, or check local dealers

Our Rating: + Included scope rings are quality, lockup is nice and tight and haven't come loose under recoil (yet) + Rubber Grip helps tame recoil and is all-weather + Added weight from beefed up frame adds to recoil control + Different barrel lengths for intended use (accuracy, hunting, or self defense)

- Front sight post is my biggest beef. Its wide, ugly and will hinder accuracy at 100 yards compared to a bead or fiber optic rod - No aftermarket support for front sight (my SRH has one-piece 3 screw orange blade sight) - Trigger isn't as good as equivalent S&W revolvers but not terrible either

Score: 8.5 Great

AIM Sports Mosin Nagant Combo Kit Review

The Mosin Nagant 91/30 rifle is one of the most common and sought after budget rifles even still today. Russia's old warhorse is still circulating around the world, and if you don't already have one or two sitting in your safe, you are missing out on some of the most fun and affordable shooting there is to be had. Many DIYers choose the platform to build hunting, varminting, or tactical bolt guns because of its low cost and availability. Most Big Box Sporting Goods stores like Big 5 will carry the 91/30 is stock as well as Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop.

Many Mosin owners who do not claim to be purists may be tempted to accessorize the rifle. Some manufacturers have come up with kits to make it cheap and easy to do this. I myself in a moment of weakness gave into temptation and bought a "Deluxe Accessory Kit" from AIM Sports. After installing the scope mount, the scope and rings, and the recoil pad, I thought I had made a reasonably good investment for $75 after tax. Then I started looking at the fit and finish, and after a few more minutes was immediately flooded with regret. Upon racking the bolt and dry firing the rifle a few times, I witnessed the lens in the scope minutely tilt forward each time the firing pin dropped. Cheap Chinese made optics with poor internals, who knew? Luckily I had opened the packaging very discretely with a blade so I was able to repack everything and return it with no questions asked.

The conundrum with putting a scope on the Nagant is three fold.  One, you have to use a "Scout" scope with a long eye relief in order to operate the stock bolt (Alternatively you can pay to have a bent bolt modification and use a traditional scope with conventional eye relief).  Two, the mounts are often questionable unless made right, and that will be costly.  Third and lastly, any scope that costs less than the rifle itself is probably rubbish.

This scope in particular is an AIM Sports 2-7 x 32mm with a 1" tube, that has an an eye relief of 8.5"-10.5" and 1/4 M.O.A.windage and elevation adjustments, a blue lens coating, a length of 10.5" and a weight of 9 oz. The clarity of the optic (before the lens issue) was moderately okay, the parallax was set within 60-100 yards and I felt like it would have been useful at shooting between 100-300 yards. The magnification ring was very gritty when rotating through the levels and had a very alarming click, almost like a bearing falling into a detent, at the 7x position. The ring also appeared to be sealed with a very sloppy O-Ring, which gave it alot of play forward and rearward. Even if the scope hadn't failed after dry firing, I have absolutely no confidence it would have held up to a single round of 7.62x54R. Pretending it would have held integrity, the scope and rings surely wouldn't have survived the first shot anyway.

The scope rings included are junk, with just two screws per ring they were too short to even bite the threading. I found myself screwing one side an eighth of a turn, then alternating back and forth so the top segment of the ring would tighten down evenly, but the opposite screw would still pop right out onto the floor. I had to use some extra screws from my drawer to replace all 4 of AIM's. After all that trouble and handling, the blued finish had looked like it had been in action for a few years. The thumb adjustment knobs were a soft metal and were no match for my screwdriver either apparently. Now, onto the scope base.

The picatinny scope base itself mounts into the rear sight block, requiring the removal of the rear sight and leaf spring. Easy enough, but it mounts using the single pin hole and thus becomes a "seesaw" or "teeter toter" that requires set three screws to be tightened down against the receiver. There was no instruction on how to use these set screws to obtain the optimum angle, and tightening one just caused the other end to dip down. When I tightened all three to a degree I felt left the mount level the the bore, I was still unsatisfied with the security and how easy it was to push a side down or up. The instructions called for the leaf spring to be removed, but I found that leaving it in at least gave some tension and improved the mounting. When the rings and scope is mounted, I found that the extra couple inches of rail in the front interfered with using the scope covers, so it would have to be cut off.

At least the rubber recoil pad had to be an improvement to the stock Rusky metal butt plate, right? Guess again, as it didn't line up with either screw hole, and a flush fit would have required sanding and reshaping the contour of the stock. Even then it didn't line up with the stock, but perhaps thats just a difficult task with all the different variations in these stocks that came from all over Europe.

The sling looked like a standard replica of the original russian slings, khaki colored even though the package specifically calls it green. I didn't even take the sling out of the package as I knew this kit was going to be returned promptly. If you have a 91/30 or M44 and wish to outfit it with optics and accessories, I would be reluctant to try this kit. I didn't get a quality equivalent to the amount I paid for, and I can't imagine it working for anybody else (unless that particular kit was an older generation).  Bottom line, it's a disgrace to the Motherland.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: This all-in-one kit includes everything you need and is the easiest no-drilling, no-tapping, no-gunsmith-needed option for the Mosin Nagant 91/30 and M44 rifles.

Target Market: Mosin Nagant 91/30 and M44 rifle owners.

FNBs (features & benefits of this product):

• 2-7x32 Scout Scope  w/ blue multi-coated optics deliver bright, crystal clear views.
• Precise fine-crosshairs Plex reticle for dead-on targeting
• Waterproof, Shockproof, and Fogproof (no confidence in these statements based on test items)
• Scope Covers
• Scope Rings
• Picatinny Mount requires no permanent modification to gun.
• Recoil reducing rubber butt pad.
• Replica Russian Sling

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Thin Blued Metal

What others are saying?: 

•  "The rubber but stock and strap are the only things in this kit worth a dime. the scope is almost impossible to sight in, and even if you get it there a few shots later its way off again. mount is really cheap so im not sure which is worse." Amazon Customer Review

• "The mount (not the other stuff) is cheap. The front attach screws are short, only about 2 threads holding. The other screws on the mount can not be made tight enough to hold the mount in place from recoil. Poor design, poorly executed. I sent it back. The rest of the kit maybe okay, I never got past the mount. This is not my first (or second, or third scope mount)." Amazon Customer Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $100.00
• Retail = $69.99 Big 5
• Retail = $54.78 Amazon

I need it now! Availability: Amazon.com or Big 5 Sporting Goods

Our Rating:

+ Collectively all the accessories in one bundle does save money.

- Everything aside from the sling I wouldn't trust to last the first or second range trip, let alone combat or hunting field use.

Score: 4.0 Bad

Glock 42 Review

Quite possibly the most anticipated firearm of SHOT Show 2014 and perhaps the whole year, is the Glock 42 .380 auto. Of course the number 1 comment about the pistol is what it isn't - a 9mm single stack pistol. Glock claims "Years of requests across market groups for a super-concealable, reliable single-stack .380 GLOCK pistol prompted extensive research and development to bring the GLOCK customer the G42." I would question if the majority of those customer requests were indeed for the .380 chambering. Despite the caliber controversy, the handgun itself is a new generation in the Glock family tree. The frame has been reduced, simplified, and altered in minute ways, making the G42 Glock's answer to the pocket pistol market, which has seen a flare up in the last 5-6 years as other manufacturers have released offerings in single stack, slimmer framed pistols that are better suited for concealed carry.

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a G42 from a buddy at local gun shop High Mountain Hunting Supply. The loaner came with limited ammo, and literally every source in town had sold out of .380 auto except for costly self defense flavors. While my range time was somewhat brief due to ammo availability, I was able to really embrace the size and shape of the gun. I found not only the frame to be pleasingly slimmer than every other Glock I've held, but the contours of the back and frontstraps to be more comfortable. The G42's trigger doesn't have the ridges on the trigger like other Glocks, and the blade is also narrower. Thats about where the positives stop for me, as everything else about the G42 I found unsatisfactory.

The trigger was a beast, feeling closer to 8-10lbs than the advertised 5.5lbs. It was stubborn, requiring much more pressure to achieve the break. I cannot say if this can be said for every G42 or just this one, but it was very unpleasant and made accurate shot placement difficult. The recoil itself felt about how it should with round nose 90 gr rounds. I did have some feeding issues, but again with limited ammo for the session I wasn't able to diagnose whether it was a magazine issue, an ammo issue, or a gun issue. In reading other internet review, it seems the feeding issues aren't uncommon. Most armchair Glock experts will snap "You're just limpwristing" or "You're thumbs are touching the slide, interfering with recoil." I suspect it's the dual recoil springs (sound familiar, Gen 4 owners?) or ammo, or a combination of both.

I brought along a G26 Gen3 for comparison as the previous flagship subcompact of Glock. The 42 is skinnier in the width department at 24 mm / 0.94 inches, but is still slightly wider than a Keltec P3AT or Ruger LCP. The grip of the 42 is about the same length of the grip on the 26, which still may leave the pinky finger hanging out in the wind for fellow medium-size mitted shooters. The barrel is 3.25" , and the capacity is only 6 rounds with the standard factory magazines, which is fairly common with pocket pistols of it's class. The frame's concave thumb recesses have been redesigned as a simple small ledge instead, and I found that with the smaller frame it made sense and still felt like I was able to get a good purchase every time.

With the trigger and feeding issues with the G42, I was still able to shoot better with the G26.  But that can be chalked up to time spent behind the trigger.

All in all, I think the Glock 42 is a good concept that should have been tested and developed further to iron out some of the issues that many others are claiming. Perhaps pressure was high from the sales/marketing departments for a 2014 SHOT Show release, leading to the questionable "perfection" of this model.  Regardless, the G42 will fit a niche that seems to be growing each year as CCW permit holders increase and the market shifts to more comfortable single stack CCW-centric models. The buzz has brought .380auto shortage, becoming just as scarce as .22lr at this time in my area, I still would prefer to hold out for a single stack 9mm personally.  However for the time being, the G42 is hard to pass up, and I would encourage everyone to try it on for size. Just beware of its shortcomings, lower your expectations for the initial performance and maybe, just maybe, the one you take home will work like it should.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Made in the USA, the G42 is the smallest pistol GLOCK has ever introduced, making it ideal for pocket carry and shooters with smaller hands.

Target Market: Concealed Carry, Range Shooting, Law Enforcement Backup weapon.

FNBs (features & benefits of this product):

• It's a Glock!
• Gen 4 Grip Texture, but not as aggressive/raised
• Dual Recoil Spring
• Subtle design changes in grip and trigger
• Same internal safety features standard in Glock pistols
• Same Tenifer finish
• Skinnier than previous Glock subcompacts in slide and frame width, grip depth and width

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Good ol'd Glock Black

What others are saying?: 

•  "I bought a G42 and have had nothing but problems. When firing Federal FMJ 95 grain, 980 FPS the slide locks to the rear on the second round as if the mag is empty. When firing JHP, the extractor fails to remove the spent casing from the chamber. I sent it back to Glock and they very quickly sent it back with a note that it was within factory specs. I took it to the range and experienced the same issues. I just sent it back for a second time and will see if they actually corrected the problem this time." User comment on The Gun Writer

•  "This gun is a failure. A 380 in this small of a package is designed strictly for defense. A defensive gun that will NOT shoot defensive ammo is a failure. That is an inarguable fact... To the guys having problems with the gun, it's NOT you, it's the gun. I too have had the same problems. BS on the your limp wristing it, you're a newbie, it's the aftermarket magazine (there aren't any right now sport). The likes of Jerry Miculek, Hickok45, et al, are having the same problems that you are. Glock needs to cut there losses and recall them and fix the problem. I have 6 other Glocks, the 42 was my 7th. It went back to Glock for repair twice. They are sending me a different model entirely, a 26 to be exact. Glock failed on this one I'm sorry to say. Good luck to you guys having problems. Again gents, it's not you." User comment on The Gun Writer

• "Great little gun. Recoil is... nonexistent!!!!! Kicks way less than my previous .380 (Bersa). Not small enough to call it a micro, but tiny anyways and easy to conceal (not to mention that it's super lightweight). Took it to the range after a good cleaning and it proved to be very accurate. Reliability is outstanding as well. I shot 200 rounds of Aguila HPs, had no malfunctions whatsoever and many groups consisted of all shots touching (7 yds)." Budsgunshop.com review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $480
• Retail = $424.00 Budsgunshop.com

I need it now! Availability: Local Gunshops or Online Dealers

Our Rating:

• The smaller length of the .380 cartridge allows for a shorter grip depth, which lets the shooter's hands wrap around the gun further and absorb recoil much better than with other 9mm Glocks.
• More easily concealed when carrying in pocket, bag, IWB holster, belly band, or baked goods.
• Pretty much the G19's little brother
• The aggressiveness/height of the Gen 4 grip texture was subtly reduced on the G42, without sacrificing friction.
• High demand means if you don't like it, someone out there will take it off your hands for you.

• Feeding issues widely reported, possibly related to dual recoil spring or ammo.

• It doesn't go "bang" as reliable as the existing tried and true Glocks are known for.

 Score: 7.0 Good

Radetec Ammo Control Digital Counter for 1911

Have you ever wanted instant feedback from your pistol, just like the interface of a first person shooter video game? In almost every FPS that tries to mimic real gunfire with realistic guns, there is a HUD (heads up display) that gives the player data on how many rounds are left in their character's magazine (or clip!) Now there is a product that brings that interactivity into the realm of real firearms, and its called the Radetec Ammo Control Digital Counter by Radetec, and this particular model is for the 1911.

Designed to enhance firearm control and efficiency, this electronic device provides real-time information about the amount of ammunition left in the magazine, as well as total rounds fired. Radetec's core business deals with research and development for the creation of new products for the international market. They specialize in the integration of electromechanical components and plastic polymers. With their own advanced prototyping machinery, they manufacture electronic circuits and plastic parts into innovative devices that meet specific needs in the medical, military and security sectors.

The Ammo Control Digital Counter didn't necessarily 'float my boat' at first, but after installing it to my Ruger SR1911c and emptying a few magazines instantly saw the draw. It's easy for some to scoff at the inability to perform basic addition (especially for 1911 owners, counting to seven) but after that first trigger pull, its very easy to forget or lose count of rounds fired downrange. Unless you were rigorously trained to maintain good shooting mechanics and count in your head, its surprisingly easy to screw up either while trying to do both. This product takes the counting out of the equation and gives immediate feedback, which not only is a good training aid but would serve well in the field in certain applications. Note that it only reads the capacity of the magazine and not what's in the chamber, so DO NOT rely on the grip's reading of "0" rounds in an empty mag to indicate a safe gun. Always check your chamber, folks.

Another plus is the secondary feature, which displays the total amount of rounds fired through the firearm while the grip has been installed. This allows users to not only keep a log of a gun's history, but keep track of what parts will need maintance after X many of rounds have been fired. For 150-200 dollars this is an investment for certain, however from a civilian/enthusiast's viewpoint I see this as a very interesting addition that gives John Browning's old warhorse a bit more of an edge.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Radetec AmmoControl Digital Counter makes the days of worrying about how much ammunition you have left in the magazine a thing of the past.

Target Market: Training, Students/Classes, and Law Enforcement

FNBs (features & benefits of this product):

• Displays the exact number of rounds left inside the magazine on a digital screen after each shot, or by pressing the manual activation button on the front.
• Displays the total number of shots discharged while installed on the firearm. Activated by a small button on the top of the left side grip panel.
• Highly shock- and temperature-resistant polymer body
• Easy to install.
• Adds the same weight and mass as a factory grip.
• Uses one CR2016/CR2032 Battery.
• Has an auto dim feature for low light situations

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black Polymer only

What others are saying?: 

•  "They would also be great for the institutional end of military and law enforcement. While the available round tally is nice, knowing the history of the gun would be great for service history and accountability concerns." Guns.com Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $199.00
• Retail = $149.99

I need it now! Availability:  www.radetec.com or budsgunshop.com

Our Rating:

+ Slimmer than factory grip, does not interfere with grip. + 1911 model comes with two high quality 7 round magazines with followers installed. + Won't interfere with most holsters (wih combat cut) + Remembers total rounds fired + Covered by limited warranty

- Grip texture could be more unique. - Rubber front strap containing button receptor is a bit fragile/loose, could use reinforcement.

 Score: 8.5  Great!

Eagle Industries Chest Rig M4 Molle LE Style

Whether you are a competitor or a first responder, you need a way to carry magazines and essential gear securely and in a position thats quickest and easiest to access.  For me, I need a chest rig for competitions that require multiple guns. Where I live, the matches are usually scheduled for the spring or summer with a desert environment, so its hot and dry. Full molle vests are a bit overkill I've found, as they tend to hinder range of motion, and some stages only require 2-3 carbine magazines and 4-6 pistol magazines.  I've found that using a simpler M4 chest rig is best.

Some call it a recon-style harness, others may refer to it as a "Rhodesian" chest rig. The one I use is an Eagle Industries Chest Rig M4 Molle LE Style (currently discontinued but newer models are available) and it is just enough to get me by.  With molle strapping on the left and right sides as well as over the top of the carbine magazine pouches, its perfect for adding handgun mag pouches. The pouches themselves are rigid, reinforced with some kind of thin composite board and then lined with a softer material for magazine retention without surface wear. The straps are adjustable and use large M style buckles.  They go over the shoulders and cross at the back and attach to the bottom of the rig on both sides. There is a single strap that goes laterally across the back and attaches via a smaller buckle.  I let it hang just below my pectorals. and am able to have 3 carbine mags with a pair of pistol mags on each side via molle pouches for a total of 4 mags. Alternatively you could attach 3o round carbine mag pouches on either side to increase to capacity to 7 mags, and attach pistol mag pouches to the front of the rig's pouches.

The advantages to this style of chest rig are lightness of weight, ease of mobility, and simplicity of use. Another perk is the kangaroo pouch with a wide hook-and-loop mouth that is easy to access even with carbine mags holstered.  Its wide enough to stow more magazines, loose rounds, papers/documents, or a couple packs of beef jerky. I often will stash a couple of Glock 33rd magazines in the pouch for the longer, no-capacity limit stages.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Eagle Industries Chest Rig M4 Molle LE Style is designed for active shooter scenarios that require your equipment to rapidly adjust to the unfolding events.

Target Market: Competitive shooters or Law Enforcement

FNBs (features & benefits of this product):

• Three open top 30-round M4 magazine pouches
• Two large side release buckles
• Full length interior pocket
• MOLLE webbing for custom rigging
• Fully adjustable for height and girth
• Lifetime Guarantee

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Khaki, Ranger Green, & Universal Camo

What others are saying?: 

•  "I love this product. The mag pouches hold the mags very well in their Kydex liners. No need for a flap. I bought 2 more pouches for 2 more mags. My only complaint is the harness straps could be longer for big guys. I may have problems with a coat on. I'll just get another harness. GREAT product."  Optics Planet Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $82.69
• Retail= $69.00 - $74.99 listed on SKDtac, Triad Tactical and NatchezSS but possible out of stock/discontinued.

I need it now! Availability:  Used online, in Army Surplus stores or find close alternative from Eagle Industries

Our Rating:

+ Lightweight and simple, no unnecessary bulk. + Inner pouch pocket is full width and makes for extra storage. + Pouches are open-top with no flappy covers, mages speedy mag changes easier. + Sits high enough to no interfere with a belt and holster, no issues with carrying a carbine with single point sling.

- Kydex lined mag pouches may be tighter fit for certain mags, PMAGs and other polymer bodied mags until expansion with use. - More "ample-bodied operators" may need longer straps.

 Score: 8.0

BLACKHAWK! Sportster Standard CQC Holster for Glock Review

This holster was exactly what I needed for a 3 Gun event that snuck up on me unexpectedly.  I was able to find it at a local Walmart for $19.99, and after putting it through a competition I am very pleased with its simplicity and rigidity. It fit my custom Lone Wolf Distributors 'Timberwolf' Glock as well as my backup Glock 19.

The cut of the BLACKHAWK! Sportster Standard CQC holster comes right below the chamber of the barrel, making drawing and clearing the holster a split second faster than a holster that covered the whole slide.  This design also makes reholstering a breeze which also comes in handy in a multi-gun setting.

After putting this on a belt with all the pouches and other accessories for a competition, it fit right at home. I swapped the belt loop backing with the paddle hook option, as it followed the curve of my hip better and gave more support for me during stages where crawling, running, and climbing is involved. I'd like to think it helped my scores a little compared to running a drop-leg in the past, and it certainly made running easier which buys you time. For more casual use I will probably switch back to the belt loop, or just buy another holster and leave this on my comp-belt.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Holds your pistol at your waist with retention.

Target Market: Open Carry, Range Carry, and Competition Carry. Conceal Carry only if wearing outer layer of clothing.

FNBs (features & benefits of this product):

• Pressure adjustable detent system that allows the shooter to customize the amount of retention • Chassis cut just below chamber on slide, allowing for faster draw and target acquisition • Includes two options for mounting: belt loop and paddle hook

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:

• Matte Black Only

What others are saying?: 

•  "Great holster at an extremely affordable price!I used this holster during a tactical shotgun course, and it held my Glock in place with no issues at all. I would highly recommend."  LA Police Gear Review
• "I am a civilian. The handgun training courses that I attend require a holster without trigger retention. This holster fills this requirement very well. With the adjustment screw, you can go from no pressure retention to very tight where the handgun will not fall out when holding the holster upside down. This is very useful for tactical courses where you might be required to drop to the ground and roll around during training." LA Police Gear Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $21.99
• Retail = $19.99 at 'Tactical' Walmarts
• Uber Deal = $14.99 at LA Police Gear

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available locally at certain Big Box stores (Walmart, Bi Mart) Local Gun Shops, or online at LaPolice Gear and Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Cheapest, easiest to find option for myself for competiting in 3 Gun. + Fits my Lone Wolf Glock as well as Glock 19 and 23, 32, 36. + No locks or buttons necessary to draw like Serpa holster + Retention is good and adjustable + When included plastic hooks are installed to correct belt thickness using paddle holster, its super solid

- Entirely plastic, three screws used are pretty shallow - good idea to use a thread locker so they don't back out

Score: 7.0